Watch The Assent

The Assent is a 2019 horror movie that challenges the boundaries between reality and the supernatural world. Directed by Pearry Reginald Teo, the movie stars Robert Kazinsky, Caden Dragomer, and Peter Jason. In the movie, single father Joel (Kazinsky) is raising his son Mason (Dragomer) after the tragic death of his wife. Despite Mason's eerie behavior, Joel tries to keep his head above water while also dealing with the grief and trauma of his loss. But things spiral out of control when Mason starts to show signs of possession, leading Joel on a desperate mission to save his son.

The plot unfolds in a fast-paced and gripping way. The Assent is not your typical horror movie, as it incorporates elements of psychological thrillers and supernatural tales. The horror is intelligently done, and instead of relying on cheap scares, the movie creates a sense of dread and unease that continues to build throughout the runtime.

One of the strengths of The Assent is the excellent cast. Robert Kazinsky delivers a convincing and nuanced performance as Joel, a man struggling to come to terms with his grief and anger. Caden Dragomer is equally impressive as the possessed Mason, giving a creepy and unsettling performance that will send shivers down your spine. Peter Jason, as Father Lambert, also stands out with his bewitching performance giving the movie an eerie atmosphere.

The movie's cinematography is striking and well-executed. The dark and shadowy settings, alongside the supernatural effects, are used to great effect, adding to the movie's eerie atmosphere. The movie also uses sound and music to create an unsettling ambiance.

One of the film’s fascinating themes is the blurred line between reality and delusion. Joel's psychological makeup is explored in detail as he grapples with the possibility that his son is possessed while dealing with his own feelings of grief and loss. The movie also tackles bigger themes such as how we cope with life when things get too overwhelming, and the importance of family and love when faced with our deepest fears.

Despite a compelling first two acts that establish an intelligent, atmospheric horror movie that is ahead of its time, The Assent falls short when it comes to its final act. The horror elements that have been meticulously built up give way to unsatisfying tropes that border on clichéd territory. However, even with its flaws, The Assent is still an impressive horror movie that is worth a watch.

In conclusion, The Assent is a gripping and intelligent horror movie that delivers more than the standard scares of the genre. Although it falls apart somewhat in its final act, it still manages to create a story that is compelling, intelligent and definitely worth a watch. If you are looking for a horror movie that is understated enough to stay on your mind beyond its runtime, The Assent is the movie you need.

The Assent is a 2020 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.3.